China are the hosts for the East Asian Cup and are seeking their their third title.

The East Asian Cup is an unusual tournament.

The trophy itself doesn't really matter; few fans would be able to describe what it looks like much less name the nations to have lifted it since it came into existence in 2003 (China and South Korea have won it twice and Japan have one win).

Yet, lose the three games against close, in all senses of the word, rivals and coaches may find that their positions are not as secure as they think. And if you asked fans in South Korea, Japan, China and North Korea...